What should pharmacies do if they occasionally dispense controlled substances?

When pharmacies occasionally dispense controlled substances, submitting zero-claim reports for periods of no dispensing is essential for compliance with regulatory requirements. This practice helps maintain accurate tracking of controlled substances and ensures that the regulatory body is aware of the pharmacy's activity, even if no controlled substances were dispensed during a particular reporting period.

By submitting zero-claim reports, pharmacies demonstrate transparency and adherence to legal obligations regarding tracking and reporting controlled substances. This process contributes to the broader effort of preventing diversion and misuse of these substances by maintaining a comprehensive record of all transactions, including periods of inactivity.

Additionally, submitting these reports allows for a complete data set for regulatory authorities, thereby facilitating better monitoring and enforcement of pharmacy practices related to controlled substances. It helps establish that the pharmacy is responsibly managing its dispensing activities and is accountable for its operations, which is a critical aspect of pharmacy practice in many jurisdictions.